“I’m late for the party”, is how many will start a comment if they are commenting a day or two after a post is published.
It almost sounds like an apology.
To a blog author, the “party” never ends, but person commenting may feel their comment won’t be seen.
In fact, because of this, some won’t comment.
Today’s Lesson
One reason we may end up being late for the party is because Your Today Is My Tomorrow.
We’re talking about time zones.
In the comments on the Blogging Etiquette post, Wilma who blogs about Bridging the gap between Knowing and Doing pointed out,
…when posting [publishing in a different time zone] some people can never be the first commenter.
That’s true. If our post goes public at noon our time, it could be 2 a.m. the next day on other parts of the globe.
Wilma’s comment raises a second issue.
Does the order in which we comment make a difference?
I’ve read how being the first one to comment can be extremely beneficial. It’s gets our name out there and those who comment after us may click on our name, thus driving more traffic to our site.
That leads to the next question, “If we end up being the last to comment, will our words of wisdom be all for naught?”
Today’s Assignment
For Wilma, I’ll ask, “Should we consider our blogging friends in different time zones and publish at different times once in awhile? ”
Do you see a benefit in being the first one to comment on a post?
If you arrive “late” on a post, will you comment or do you just move on?
~Barbara.
Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
Should we consider our blogging friends in different time zones and publish at different times once in awhile? I don’t think that’s necessary, unless your entire purpose is to garner comments.
Do you see a benefit in being the first one to comment on a post? Certainly. 😉
If you arrive “late” on a post, will you comment or do you just move on? It depends on the content. For this post, if I came across it tomorrow, I’d probably read, but not comment. On some others, if I have something important enough to contribute, and if the topic is something I care passionately about, I’d comment even if it was several days later.
Hi Mike and everybody and Barbara.
For me this question about timing first stemmed from having been a guest blogger on someone else’s blog.
When the blog was published I was asleep and it looked like I was not interested in answering the comments that came in.
That made me realize that the blogger and I could have talked about posting times and when I would be available to comment back and I also wondered if posting times was indeed a big point to consider.
The other time zone question about commenting did indeed stem from me feeling I was always being last and wondering if there would still be anybody there to play and dialog with as I saw dialogs amongst the commentors which I had missed out on.
Sometimes it just felt lonely.
I wondered if that too was felt by others and if it was worthwhile considering this fact.
Then of course I also started to wonder that if being late had an impact on anything and if so what impact did it have on what?
I have seen that when I was first on certain blogs I did get more traffic and I wondered if that was a strategy some of you use or if it was an accident and not being aimed for.
Especially on this blog where comments are actually part of the post, thanks to Barbara’s generous nature to share expertise , I do think coming late is not such a big deal as I personally always come back to the posts because I value all the comments, want to know them and they are not time sensitive.
Having seen the comments I agree with you Mike that a lot depends on the kind of blog.
A way to deal with this is to contact the bloggers in question when the time zone can cause some issues and see what they have to say.
At least I am getting some clarity about all this thanks to all this.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Wilma,
You’ve raised a very important point. When we are guest posting and will be addressing the comments, it’s important we communicate with the blog author and find out what time they plan to publish the post. If we’re in different time zones, hopefully the blog author will understand the predicament we’re in and publish at a time when we’re awake.
Hi Mike,
I see it differently. Knowing some bloggers like to be first to comment (or at least near the top), if we cater (to some degree) to our blogging friends in different time zones I see it as a way of helping them get their blogs get found.
Like you, I don’t care how old a post is. If the topic resonates with me, I’ll comment no matter how much time has passed.
I’ve noticed that when I’ve been first to comment on certain larger blogs, I do get dozens of click throughs, but it’s not enough to make me sit at the computer all day waiting to pounce.
I post at all times of the day anyway because of my schedule, it never occurred to me to mix it up for the sake of letting others get first comment. I’m guessing from my wp dashboard stats that getting first comment on my blog is not a very effective way to drive traffic. But still, you should comment on my blog because you’ll be in awesome company.
First, last, if I really have something to say, I’ll say it. The only exception is sometimes I’ll run across a blog that hasn’t any comments and if I at all possible, even if normally I wouldn’t have commented, I will. Not a pity comment by any means – it’s just I remember those days of wondering if anyone was really reading and want to let folks know hey, yeah, I read it!
I don’t comment on even a quarter of blog posts I read.
.-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: The First Annual IHMMB Scary Product Contest! =-.
Oh gosh, I am all over the comments for this post. I came back to say I do notice a difference on the number of comments I get based on time of day I publish. Posting on a Saturday afternoon? It’s going to be lonely in there!
I probably *should* make more of an effort to wait to hit post until a more auspicious time but I am remarkably impatient. I have started posting things that wouldn’t necessarily get a lot of comments anyway – like recipes – on weekends because I like posting them and love the search traffic they bring but don’t feel like “wasting” a prime posting time slot on them.
.-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: The First Annual IHMMB Scary Product Contest! =-.
Interesting that the time you publish a post has an impact on the comments as well. More to thinnk about, THANKS Tracy!
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Tracy,
I hear what you’re saying about landing on a blog that has no comments. I’ll never forget those days when I would have loved to see a comment, but it just didn’t happen. Having compassion for new bloggers (or bloggers who are uncertain how to get their name out there) is a great way to welcome them into blogosphere.
Hey Barbara – can you delete my comment above? I really only wrote it because I thought I was going to be first.
;-p
.-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: The First Annual IHMMB Scary Product Contest! =-.
Hi Tracy,
I know you said you were just joking (with your comment), but because it does hold value and adds to the conversation, I’ve decided to leave it up. I hope you don’t mind. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
To answer your question, yes – if I land on ProBlogger and the comments are already at 100 or so, I’ll not comment unless I’m very inspired with something truly special to add.
On my favorite blogs – ahem, here – I’ll comment no matter how many were before me. You always have interesting posts and I always have something to say about the topic. As well, you always respond to every comment. Any more I tend to avoid blogs were the owner either philosophically doesn’t want to respond to their community or their breeches are too big to do so.
It should not be about trying to get top spot to drive traffic, it should be about contributing a voice to a community in which you believe.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
George
.-= Check out George Angus´s awesome post: Apocalypse Now – The New Blog of The Week =-.
HI Angus.
I too start to see that the quality and value added is more important than the timing.
I like this feature on Barbara’s blog though that gives me an opportunity to reply, directly positioned underneath and linked to your comment.
This makes me feel I can still have a dialog, even when I am not on line at the same time.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi George, I just noticed I called you Angus, I apologize and it shows I love the name Angus. I must have been thinking about it when I wrote the comment, which however is no excuse. So I would like to be in integrity and clean up this mistake and call you George instead.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Awww Heck, Wilma. You can call me anything, as long as you call me!
🙂
George
.-= Check out George Angus´s awesome post: 10 Astounding Rare Book Covers =-.
Hi George,
You know I appreciate you loyalty and contribution you bring to the comment section.
I know what you mean about landing on a blog like Problogger and there are hundreds of comments already ahead of us. Sometimes there’s nothing left to add.
Sometimes it matters, other times it doesn’t. If I like the post and really want to share (or tell the writer I enjoyed the post), I will comment. Even if it is two years later.
Other times if it is an older post, I will think more about it, and maybe decide that the topic has moved on and is no longer relevant to a comment I would otherwise leave.
As for time of day/day of week mattering, it does. I’ve found that posts seem to be read more on Tuesdays, when posted between 6-10 CST. This is for my blog only, though. That being said, I’m a mom and wife first, and have two other careers that come before blogging. I don’t tend to time the release of my posts well. I post when I am able to take the time to write.
p.s. Yes, there is a benefit to being first, but I don’t have the time to race to be first.
.-= Check out RC – Rambling Along…´s awesome post: Birthdays and barcodes =-.
I too am getting to see that there are no hard and fast rules here, as with most things in life it is about using my own discernment, ha.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi RC,
That’s interesting how you’ve found a specific time span when your blog is the most well received. I had read Thursdays was a good day at 11am (EST), but have never tested it.
I also think it depends on who are readers are, what their reading habits are and where they live. With so many variables, it would take a considerable amount of research to nail it down (or at least it would for me)
Hi Barbara,
I seem to be scheduling posts – writing them ahead due to so much travel – and for some reason just have them timed for 12:02 am most of the time. I never thought about the time zones. If I were to post daily it might be a problem but I don’t think it is with 2-3 posts per week.
As for being the “first”, I’m sure there is an advantage (clickwise) but I cannot stay on line continually to make that happen – though I do know of a few bloggers who seem to have a contest trying to be the first ones all the time. I swear they do not sleep!
I really try to comment on most the blogs I read if I have something to say (other than the “Great post!” comment just to be there and be seen) and I’m never put off if there are 50 or more if I feel like what I am contributing has some value, or in some cases I’ll respond since that person commented on my blog regularly. I must say I have followed AND commented regularly on a blog or two for quite some time and in all that time the people never came to my blog once. I’ve moved on to other, hopefully more reciprocal spirits, in an effort to make better use of time.
You’re sure coming up with great topics! I feel I’m learning a lot here too!
Yes that is good, commenting when you have something to say regardless what time you show up. In the end it is about being generous about contributing when you can.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Thank you Suzen,
Being first to comment can have advantages, but I’m like you. It’s too time consuming to stay that focused on whose posts are going live when.
With regard to not having your comments reciprocated, that will happen. Some bloggers do not visit and/or comment on other blogs (that especially holds true for the big name bloggers), others may not feel the “need”, don’t identify with what we write, are too shy to comment on other blogs, and/or don’t have the time. All we can hope for is that they do appreciate us taking the time to share our thoughts.
Well, the first few comments are definitely looked at more than the ones at the bottom. Sometimes I would reply to a post that’s, say, two weeks after it was posted. But that’s only that the blogger will see it, and it will be for the blogger and only the blogger. It will not be a discussion for people to join in, since most people are not going to be checking comments for a post that’s written two weeks ago.
.-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: Moon Festival =-.
I too still value good comments on older posts as they all contribute to the depths of the post. So in the end you never know if your comment added to the party as other latecomers can still enjoy reading them, interesting to realize that.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Kelvin,
That’s very true. In those instances the blog author will appreciate us sharing our thoughts even though others who commented before may never see our words. (unless they subscribed to the comments)
In a way, this can also become a discussion about when a party is really over. For example, someone can throw a party that starts at 6pm and ends at 5am. But when you drove many hours and finally arrived at 3am, you realized that all the guests had left already. You sat down and decided to have a chat with the host while drinking leftover beer and eating leftover pizza. It was great catching up, but was the party over? Was it over when you say it’s over, when the host say it’s over, when all the food is gone, when the end time comes, or when everybody leaves? 😉
.-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: Moon Festival =-.
Good point Kelvin, I take that on board.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
If you’re able to land in the top 10 or so of the hot post you’re likely to get a lot of clickthroughs. I experienced that when I managed to squeezed as one of the first commenters in Problogger. George is right though. If the comments had already run into the hundreds by the time I’ve arrived, I’d just scan the comments to check if someone left a great comment or a helpful/new info I should check out. Otherwise, I’d head out.
In friendly blogs, I don’t care. When I arrive here and there’s no new post yet, I’d just rummage in the archives and amuse myself by reading old gems. Or perhaps check the latest post for some interesting comments I’ve missed. If not the comment itself, then I check out the commentluv links.
Oh, Tracy has an occasional mild attraction for a post with no comment? Me, too. Plus another strange quirk – I’ve a fetish for lonely TweetMeme button in a post, especially if it’s a little shy that it’s got only few RTs. Ahahaha. I’m so hopeless.
.-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: My Top #FollowFriday People and Their Best Posts =-.
What you are saying is that leaving quality comments is always valuable and can be read at a later date so in the end you are not alone and still get some company.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Jan,
I know you’ve done that here – commented on older posts. I’m hoping I caught all of your comments, but if I didn’t, please forgive me. And I must say, that’s always a pleasant surprise – to see comments coming in on older posts. (So, thank you).
Between yours and Wilma’s comment, that brings up a good point. If we do comment on an older post and that post is found by the search engines, a Stumble or a Tweet, new people may read our words and could possibly regular readers of our blogs, as well.
Ugh. You’ve removed the edit your own comment plugin? I’ve committed some outrageous errors and I’ve no way to correct them… Ah well, I’d be more careful next time then. No problem, Barbara. 🙂
.-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: My Top #FollowFriday People and Their Best Posts =-.
Hi Jan,
When I updated WordPress the edit comments plugin was acting kind of goofy, so I deactivated it. I’ll reactivate it and see if the problem is resolved.
Hi Barbara
I too would love to be able to edit my comments.
Those spelling mistakes keep creeping in and even wrong name calling, ouch.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I need to remember to post at different times. I typically post evenings after 5PM. I’ve noticed that when I post early morning, I get a different set of initial commenters, ones who are reading at that time. I did that recently and one woman was so thrilled she got in first on comments, I suspect because she’s never seen a new post of mine at that hour.
I don’t know that I’ve seen a benefit being the first to comment. I’m not really paying attention.
I will definitely comment if I’m late to the party, as long as I have something I really want to say. I’ll even post on really dated posts. I actually like when people do that on my blog. It lets me know that there is still some value in aged posts.
.-= Check out Junk Drawer Kathy´s awesome post: Coffee No. 4 =-.
See, it can still mean something to someone to be first obviously.
And yes I think it is generous to leave a value comment even if you are late, I really get to see that now.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Kathy,
Isn’t is amazing how when we post at different times, the “order” of who is commenting changes? You must have made your reader’s day when she was first to comment. Knowing how that can affect our readers is a good reminder to shake it up every now and then.
I AM in a different time zone, and purposely publish my posts at a time when the US is waking up. What’s more, in my topics are never so time dependent that comments can be ‘late’. I may end up automatically closing comments after a month if I get more comments than I now do, but as it is, I get a manageable amount of comments and really don’t care whether they’re first, second, or tenth. I also don’t care whether they’re on the first day, within the first week, or a year later. As long as they’re to the point and add something to what’s already been said.
.-= Check out Katinka – All Considering´s awesome post: Man the Measure of All Things, Sri Krishna Prem and Sri Madhava Ashish =-.
Cool to know that you DO consider timezones but you must be used to that living in another time zone like me.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Katinka,
That’s a good idea to consider when your US readers might be reading. And I agree, it really doesn’t matter when the comments show up. They are always appreciated.
Every once in awhile these days, I can still get up early and be the first few to comment on a site I love. I adore that feeling! Other times, I’m the last to see or comment (seemingly) on a post of a blog I love, and it’s a letdown feeling… I feel like (as you so wonderfully said) the party’s over! I got there late, and missed all my friends. I still comment, but noticed the excitement sometimes wanes in both the blog owner (responding) and me (commenting).
Interesting dynamic!
I like the idea of posting at different times, though, for different time zone folks. I also LOVE how global we are!
Happy Sunday, Barbara!
.-= Check out Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s awesome post: The Magic of Meditation =-.
Hi Megan.
I am pleased not to be the only one to have sometimes gotten the feeling that the excitement was over, you said that well.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I hope you had a happy Sunday too, Megan,
Your comment reminds me of how some comments at the end of a post become “stragglers” and are never answered by the blog author. From my own experience I know that’s happened on this blog. Not because I don’t care what someone has to say, but that I’ve missed seeing the comment come in.
And yes, we bloggers are definitely global.
Hi Barbara,
I was wondering why you seemed to have changed your posting schedule. I think that that is actually a pretty good idea, and one I had never thought of before.
One thing that amazes me about my blog is that I continue to get comments on a particular entry I posted way back in 2007. I treasure the debate that has sprung forth from the post and each and every comment that I get.
I think all bloggers appreciate comments and that commenters don’t ever have to apologize about being late. If someone finds a post from last month and comments on it, I will read and respond to it just the same as if they had commented on my most recent post.
.-= Check out Chase March´s awesome post: What I’m Thankful For… =-.
We as bloggers will aways like comments however I felt left out as I missed out on contributing to the dialog as a late comers in the comments before people referred to one and other. It felt as Megan said, that the life of the party was over. However I am feeling less and less like that from reading these comments.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Chase,
That’s a great observation. I have been mixing up my publishing schedule. One, to cater to readers in different time zones, and two, sometimes when I’m done editing a post, I just hit “publish” (with no regard to time zones).
When I was publishing five days a week, I felt I needed to be more consistent, but now that I’m posting twice a week, I find the flexibility gives me more freedom.
Isn’t that a good feeling having an older post that still gets attention and stirs debate. Whatever you wrote is obviously timeless and resonates with those who find it.
I’ll generally always comment. I do know the value/benefits of being first in comments, but also know that even if my comment is the 193rd, it will still generate a one-way link back to my site.
I used to write in the wee hours of the morning meself, but have lately found that life keeps getting in the way. And yes, if you publish later in the day…you generally DO get less comments too.
That doesn’t bother me, however. So long as I’m delivering quality, I’m a happy camper.
.-= Check out Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s awesome post: 11 COOL Guerrilla Marketing Tips and Quickies =-.
Yes, I too think that in the end quality counts, phew.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Barbara,
That’s so true. When life happens, we can’t worry if our post will get more or less comments. Knowing we did our best and are providing value is really what it’s all about.
yeah i some times i make a comment that i’m late to the party. i guess we like to show up on the day that the post does, but that’s not always possible. life happens, time zones happen.
does the order matter. nah, not really. no it doesn’t. if the post is still there, an open, the party is always going on.
.-= Check out Natural´s awesome post: The Psychology of Hair =-.
It depends though but I am starting to realzie that being a contribution is never wasted.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Natural,
Remember the time you were following the links to related posts here on BWAB and you were leaving comments all over the place. As soon as I answered one, another one from you would show up on an older post. I know you didn’t expect me to answer each one, but it sure was fun trying to catch up with you. Good memories. 🙂
Most times if I take the time to visit and read the post – I’ll comment regardless of how early or late I am. Commenting for me is conversation. When late for an in-person party – the other guests and myself will still interact and converse. I’m with you apologizing for nothing is silly.
.-= Check out Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s awesome post: Is Your Business Authentic? =-.
It is getting clearer and clearer that a contribution of value is never wasted and that is great to know.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Tom,
It is all about conversation, isn’t it? Whether we’re early or late, blogs give us a chance to have our say.
I’m late for the party?
Well, I often have that feeling when I post in foreign blogs (like yours 😉 ) because it could be like 3 AM around here when you post, and I’m not that likely to comment at that time.
I think that we, as bloggers, might take that into account when we ask for and welcome comments.
For example instead of “care to share your thoughts” which is great, btw, you could say something like “I care for your thoughts, any time” or even “WE care for your thought, any time, even now” or… 🙂
.-= Check out Miguel de Luis´s awesome post: Back from our previous story =-.
It has been interesting that time zones never came up and yet now we are global it might be worth a point of consideration. Yes, making it clear when ancouraging comments is an option. Gracias Miguel.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Miguel,
Time zones do make it difficult, don’t they? As much as we could try to accommodate all of our blogging buddies, one specific time won’t do it.
Thank you for the suggestions on how to “ask for” comments. I like how you suggested comments are ALWAYS welcome. I’ll have to work on a new ending. 🙂
Hi Barbara. It doesn’t sway me one way or the other, though I do see the advantage of being one of the first to comment (Lol, Mike). I comment when I have something to say, no matter how many comments there are. I don’t schedule my posts time-wise, but I do try to post on the same days.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: 9. Thyme Out On A Mountain =-.
Posting on regular days is good, like a magazine you can look forward to its publication day.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Davina,
Like you, where I fall in the order of comments is not important although being first can have an advantage.
Posting on the same days does have it’s benefits. Like Wilma said, we can look forward to it’s publication day.
I’ll put in my two cents in whenever I get to a blog post if I feel compelled by post content or something I see in the comments. I don’t feel someone’s writing or thoughts have an expiration date.
.-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: How to deal with the bully and bullying — a senior karate instructor’s view, part one =-.
That is a cool point, quality comments and posts do not have an expiry date, good comforting thought.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Lori,
I have to echo that, too. There is no expiration date on blogs. And unless the blog author closed their comments, I have to believe they will welcome our thoughts.
Hi Barbara,
When it comes to leaving comments, I really do not care which order that my comment appears. Even if I am late with my comment, I still will leave one. That said, there are many blogs that I read where I do not leave a comment. Some posts are just so full of wonderful information, it is hard to express what I feel and at those times, I prefer to be silent.
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: Are You An Angry Talk Show Or A Romantic Comedy? =-.
I always felt bad to leave the party silently hence my questions however you have a point. When the post is too rich I too am sometimes lost for words. Good to know I am not the only one in this either.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Nadia,
That’s very true. We may not comment on everything we read. And I don’t know about you, but sometimes I read a post, leave and contemplate what the author said. Sometimes I’ll go back to let them know their words resonated with me. Other times, not.
Your comment is also a good reminder to all bloggers that even though they may not get a lot of comments, it does not mean what they shared wasn’t of value.
Should we consider our blogging friends in different time zones and publish at different times once in awhile? I never even thought about what time my post actually goes out. It just goes out when I complete it in most cases.
Do you see a benefit in being the first one to comment on a post? When it comes to larger blogs (eg. Zen Habits, ProBlogger), yes I do. Do I TRY to be first? No.
If you arrive “late” on a post, will you comment or do you just move on? It really depends on the post and if I really want to get my thoughts out no matter how much time went by or how many people came before me. For the most part, I don’t avoid posting even if its months after the fact, especially if I know the author will read it and maybe even respond.
.-= Check out carla | green and chic´s awesome post: Green and Chic Store Makeover & SoLi Design Studios Review =-.
Sounds like good common sense and I get to see as I said before that there are no hard or fast rules, using discernment will do it.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Carla,
LOL, can you imagine how many are trying to be first on the big blogs?
That’s true. It really doesn’t matter how old a post is. Often, buried in the archives of blogs sits tons of valuable information we may have missed.
Sometimes it’s fun to arrive late to comment, making a “fashionable entrance.”
I remember ProBlogger once writing how always trying to be first to comment can actually work as a detriment to the commenter. Just searched his site but can’t find the exact post or I’d cite the main reason he said that.
A couple of times I’ve stayed up to comment on Lance’s “Sunday Thought” just for grins, but I think that’s the only time I’ve ever really tried to be FIRST on a blogger’s post!
I do not pre-schedule my posts but almost always post early in my morning around 7:00 or so, because I’m up first in the household and enjoying my quiet. I don’t imagine that will ever change too much.
LOVE those pretty balloons, Barbara, very cheery.
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: And So On. And So On. And So On. =-.
Hi Jannie, funny that you say that but when you always are the first that gets a bit annoying too, hmm.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Thank you Jannie,
I can see how being first can be a detriment to a blogger if they are always first on the same blog, but when you click through they have some sort of sales pitch. Soon, the novelty of seeing their name would wear off (or it would for me).
I remember when you were competing for the number one position of top commenters on Lance’s blog. Your comments were mighty funny. You made it to the top though, didn’t you? 🙂
Yes, I did finally make it back to the top of Lance’s commenters, even when I’ve been competing with myself in my various forms as Fannie Junster, The Commenter Formerly Known As Jannie Funster, and my most recent alter ego — Hermann Shinglemeister. Oy. Blogging can be fun.
Not sure what my status is at Lance’s now. I better hurry on over there — Bold Tess may have one-upped me again. 😉
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: Goin’ For The Page Rank Juice =-.
Hi Barbara. Since I have no set posting time, that would not be a problem. I sometimes arrive days late (or more) to comment if I have been having computer trouble or an illness, but I comment anyway.
I don’t mind if it doesn’t get seen, but in case it does, I want the blogger to know I read and enjoyed or got something from the work they put into the post!
Karen
.-= Check out PeacefulWmn9´s awesome post: Inspiration in the Sky =-.
HI Karen, so your commenting is like saying thanks for inviting me and that is an act of generosity too. I like that.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Karen,
That’s true. When we leave a comment, no matter how much time has passed, it does let the blog author know we appreciate the work they put into the post.
Hi Barbara – I’ve done some informal tracking on posting schedules for PassingThru and it seems people have lots to do on Mondays and Fridays other than read and comment on our blog. So, like any good procrastinator, I’ve used that factoid as an excuse to let up on myself. I still post whenever I feel like it, but manage to feel guilty if I’m “falling behind” on whatever feels “right.”
On some of the political blogs it’s a badge of honor to be first to reply. That sort of seems kinda pathetic, as if they were waiting breathlessly for a post to be first, or like pushing ahead in line for the drinking fountain or recess in the fourth grade to me (not that you would ever do anything like that, Mike!). I can see where on the higher traffic blogs, you’d get some click-throughs if you’re close to the top.
I also don’t bother commenting when I’m 50 down, either, as usually it has already been said and I feel like the blogger doesn’t “need” my comment. Weird, I know, but hey! I waited to comment here until my post was finished and look at how many are already online on a Sunday, looking to interact!
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Haha Betsy, however I always read the comments here as they are definitely part of the post. So numbers 50 + will always be read here, I am sure. It is interesting that you think about the blogger needing your comment when they already have so many. Hmm, never looked at it that way. However do you not think that when you really have something to add, it is still worth it?
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Betsy,
That’s interesting what you’ve discovered about when people are reading and/or commenting. I know in my real life, Mondays are usually pretty hectic, so that holds true for me. And Fridays? Maybe because people are getting ready for their weekend?
You’re not the only one who won’t comment if the comment count is big. What I often end up doing is scrolling down, not reading the comments and sharing what I have to say. For someone who reads all of the comments what I’ve said may sound redundant, but I’m more concerned with letting the blog author to know I’m supporting their efforts.
@ Wilma – Thank you for your kind words.
Hi All.
This is a case in point, I am reading this on Monday morning when it is still Sunday in other time zones.
What triggered this question was the obvious lateness of me seeing new posts and feeling I always commented last or very late in the piece and therefor felt I missed out on the dialog.
Would people still be there to dialog with me or have they all gone home?
AND when I posted a guest post on a blog in another timezone I could not comment on the comments as it was posted when I was asleep in the Southern Hemisphere. So again it looked like I was silent and not interested, at least that was my interpretation.
So hence these time questions that Barbara so kindly put forward.
Blogging for me is still such a new area that I love this blog and its opportunity to have so many of us contribute and give their point of views relating to questions that Barbara gathers for us.
So once again, thank you Barbara for making us all a bit wizer on this topic.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
You’re welcome Wilma,
Want to hear something funny? I published this on Saturday afternoon (my time) thinking you would see it on Sunday morning (your time). I even emailed you, but the email came back “undeliverable”.
Now that you’ve read all of the comments and so graciously responded to them, I think it has opened everyone’s eyes to the fact comments are VERY important to a blog author no matter when they arrive.
As for you not being able to answer comments promptly on your guest post, most of us know blog authors live in on all parts of the globe, have a life outside of blogging and will answer comments as soon as they can. Anyone who knows you, knows you care and certainly didn’t think you were not interested in their input.
I’m so happy you voiced your concern, Wilma. Not only have you opened our eyes to how you feel when your comment(s) show up late, it has also taught us to take our faraway friends into consideration before we hit “publish” – knowing sometimes they, too, would like to hold that first position in the comment section. And…you have inspired a wonderful conversation that can continue on for a long time to come.
Therefore, to you Wilma, I say thank you.
HI Barbara and all
Another lesson learned.
When a blog author wants to alert you about publishing something that is of interest to you, then it pays to not type errors in your email address.
If any of you is interested why Barbara’s email was undeliverable, it was because of just that, errors in my typing, duh.
As a result though, my avatar does not show up either.
Thanks Barbara for letting me know about the undeliverable email and solving that avatar issue at the same time as a result of typos in my email address.
The things we learn, thanks to showing up at the party.
So another huge thank you to YOU, Barbara and I will contunue to humbly learn from my mistakes.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
You’re very welcome Wilma,
And now, we get to see that beautiful smiling face of yours. Yipeeeee! 🙂
Mike says, “I don’t think that’s necessary, unless your entire purpose is to garner comments.” and I agree. I think this is one of the things I like best about being a seasoned blogger, so to speak – I just don’t worry so much anymore about comments, commenting, responding to comments, going back to read responses to my comments etc. I do what I can with the time that I have, and move on.
.-= Check out vered | blogger for hire´s awesome post: Inappropriate Halloween Costumes for Kids =-.
Hi Vered,
That is true. When we’ve become seasoned bloggers, our concerns and priorities change.
That said though, for new bloggers who are looking to get more exposure, landing the first (or a high) position in the comment section of a blog can be beneficial.
Hi Vered.
There are a lot of sentiments possible about comments. I still love to dialog with my comments so they all still take a lot of time.
I also love to see comments on my blog as it gives me a sense of what is being picked up from my posts and that can be quite interesting.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I comment if I have time to comment, though when there are 155 comments I often do not. I have several hours a day to comment. I have another life, and with so few comments on my blog, I first follow through with those, then I read all of their posts and comment.
I read all the comments, because usually they add to the post considerably.
Maybe this is part of my problem, my first commenter does get a big push of traffic? I did not know that.
I never consider myself too late to the party. I made a list of 4 blog posts from your list of comments that I will read every word of tomorrow -since I am nearly out of time tonight…I love to find new blogs to read off of the comments section.
I do the best I am able to do and I spend one after noon a week exploring Stumble upon. It is a bit habitual but it seems to be working, but not bringing more traffic for me. I read everything, write during my time slot and don’t worry about whether I am late….I just try to enjoy what I am reading.
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Thoughts about Microwave Ovens! =-.
Hi Patrica,
Like you, I don’t feel I would ever be “late for the party” as I know on this blog, the party never ends. 🙂
I like your idea of having a specific time set aside for reading blogs, commenting and spending time on Stumble. When my work/home life becomes less erratic, I hope to do that, too.
“I do my best and do what I can” ; sounds a good way to look at it and is not much different from everything else in life, really. It is easy to let the whole blogging and commenting thing become overwhelming because of its sheer volume and then get caught up by becoming inauthentic and being driven by less serving motives.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I tend to comment if I have something to add, and especially if I believe the author is reading (and responding) to the comments. And I do sometimes post at different times of the day, mostly though it’s just because that’s when I have something ready to go….
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
That’s true. Knowing the blog author is reading and responding to comments can inspire us to comment more often.
I am amazed though at how you and Barbara keep up with the volume. I am with SuZen when she says there must be very little sleep going on.
Having something to say and having the blogger commenting back are big incentives to comment whatever your place in the pecking order is true for me as well.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Barbara — I appreciate you and Wilma bringing up this topic. It’s a good one to consider!
I think it’s an interesting idea about posting at different times to allow more people from other time zones to get a word in. On my site, however, I’m never been bothered by the order of comments because I don’t get that many comments to worry about this:~)
I try not to leave a comment JUST because I THINK I should, even when I’m going to the site of someone who left me a comment. If I can’t find something relevant to that post to comment on, I’ll visit w/o a comment or visit another post. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen often. I usually find something in a post that will make me want to comment.
On new sites that have very few comments, if the post doesn’t strike me, I will comment…even if it’s a comment about the look of their site. I’ve been there and know how much each comment can mean when you’re just starting:~)
.-= Check out Sara B. Healy´s awesome post: Picture Story: Here’s To Words =-.
Hi Sara.
There is still quite a lot to consider regarding comments. I too feel compelled to leave a comment when there are not many and I find that so lovely that bloggers seem to have compassion for each other.
So in the end compassion wins and not a calculated mind that only looks at what is in it for me. I really like that that is the trend of this dialog.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Sara,
That’s true. We don’t necessarily HAVE to leave a comment. I’m guessing the blog author is happy to see the “visits” in their stats – comment or not.
You do what I do. On a new site that may not have a post that resonates with me, I’ll just say something like “welcome to blogosphere….”.
Hi Barbara – very good questions! I don’t ever decide not to comment because I’m “late” – in fact, I often am. In my case, it doesn’t make any diffence to anything.
I think it is wonderful that you are considering what it might be like for bloggers like myself who are not in North American time zones – and I have in the past felt frustrated when I got up in the morning and found new posts with tons of comments on them.
There are other things – bloggers announce certain events (like a radio interview) are going to happen at a certain time, which means nothing to me, and I do still find the time diffence thing a factor on Facebook and Twitter – particularly Twitter. I have no idea what the best times are for Twitter – the North American-centered nature of blogging is very frustrating to me for these sorts of reasons. I could go on, but I sense a “rant alert”, so I’ll stop right here.
.-= Check out Robin´s awesome post: Can Limitations Be Useful? =-.
Hi Robin
Yes, that time zone can certainly give you grief. Even in North America they have time zones between the East and West coast to make it even more complicated and then we have the lovely summer time changes to take into account as well.
For me it meant to become really alert and I now set the timezone of American networking sites in their real time so with one glance I can see what time they are up to. Timezones are frustrating though, even with my family on the other side of the world, each phonecall always started with “what time is it?”
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Robin,
The time zone thing can get confusing. I’m always wondering if someone is ahead of me by 8+ hours or behind me. I do believe you gals in Australia are 15 hours +/- ahead of me – so it’s already the afternoon for you – for me it’s just after midnight. After this discussion I’ve decided to start posting at different times. Not only will that take stress off of me (I won’t have to feel I have to have a post done by a certain time), but will give you all the opportunity to be one of the first to comment, if you’d like.
Hi Barbara. If the post is buried in the archives I tend to be less likely to comment, but if the post is new, I have no problem commenting even if I’m late to the party.
I suppose to be honest, sometimes when I see I can be the first commentator something in me goes, “yeah!” The first spot is the “sweet” spot, ya know.
As far as posting at different times, I suppose it’s the logical part inside of me that wants to say, “test”. Is that kind of like when an IT person says, “Did you try turning the computer off and then back on again?”
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Hi John,
With regard to being first to comment, sometimes I’ll land on a blog and really don’t want to be first. Especially if after reading the post I’m not certain of the message the blog author is trying to get across. But you’re right, it is normally the sweet spot.
That’s a good point. We could test and see if publishing a post at different times might have different results. Knowing I have readers from all corners of the globe, I try to cater to all of them, thus will post what some might say is erratic.
That’s true, Barbara. I feel like that too. Sometimes when I see I can be the first to comment I’m not thrilled to be first for the same reasons you mentioned. I forgot about that.
.-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: Hammering Down 2 More Ways To Speed Up Your WordPress Blog =-.
Hi John
Good point about test and measure but I never thought about it until I had the guest post and got into trouble with commenting.
There are obviously no hard and fast rules about being the first to comment either and again that probably is too a case of test and measure for both the blogger and the people who leave comments. However it is great to have the opportunity to hear other people’s findings about these things.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I am certainly late for the party, eheheh! Does not matter though.
To answer Barbara…I have no problem with being late for commenting. As long as I love the post, I want to get in the discussion, even if I am on the hundred level of commenter, it is alright.
I am not also considering the time zones of friends…what is very important to me is my own personal time to publish especially on having lots of deadlines and work to do aside from blogging.
Can I order a drink? LOL!
.-= Check out elmot´s awesome post: Stop Tweeting Political Stuffs, Bro. Seriously. =-.
Hi Elmot,
As I mentioned before, as a blog author, I don’t feel the party ever ends. Hopefully I will catch the comments even on older posts even if it might be a few days later.
I know what you mean about having a life outside of blogging where there are also deadlines. We do the best we can, don’t we?
A drink? Sure, the bar is still open. What can I get you? 😆
Haha Elmot, where have you been, we missed you as the life of the party that you always are.
It sounds like you are a great sport and play with whomever is left.
Good to know that we will not miss our chance to contribute or to connect whatever time we show up, phew another pressure gone that we do not need in life.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
I have to admit to rarely reading other comments so being first or not doesn’t matter to me as a reader. As a blogger, it doesn’t really matter either because I’ve started reading and commenting on blogs once or twice a week only (to keep down on the time-suck of the blogosphere).
I’m sure I *should* consider the impact of commenting but with so many other marketing balls in the air, I do what I can to keep the commenting ball mixed in with the others without dropping any of them.
.-= Check out Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s awesome post: Taking a SLOW Journey: Aukje van Gerven Interview =-.
Hi Alex,
I don’t think it’s necessary we read all of the comments that came before ours. I’m sure we can end up sounding redundant if we don’t (on some posts), but like you said, it comes down to priorities and time schedules.
There’s only so many hours in a day…..
I am lucky that I am a very fast reader and I do like to read what other people have said so I do not repeat the same message and to respond to what has been said if I possibly can to deepen the conversation or to connect with the reading community.
However I do agree that it all comes down to priorities and a willingness to look at what works for you.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hey Barbara,
I think that writing differently for the different time zones, will make the posting process, more hectic and ultimately a bit chaotic too.
So, according to me the way to deal with such situation is that One must choose a suitable time that can be appropriate and adjustable for both time zones. And If possible managing the post with some plugin that accepts comments according to time zones (I am not sure such plugin exists or not)
.-= Check out Ravi@How to make quick money´s awesome post: 5 Tips to Becoming a Better Leader =-.
Hi Ravi
I do agree that catering to timezones can be a headache but just becoming aware of it has been interesting.
Now of course it is a matter of deciding what to do with this and test and measure if you change anything.
A plug in would be fun, I always would be the first as New Zealand is always the first to wake up in the world. When people are still doing Sunday I am already working it being Monday in my tome zone.
Interesting consideration, finally not last but always first. Now that could have it disavantages too, however at least I had a choice.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
Hi Ravi,
I’m not sure which blog platform you use, but with WordPress we can use the post date stamp and publish a post even when we’re not at our computer. For those who choose to publish at different times, this is a huge benefit.
I like your idea too, of finding the most suitable time that will benefit the most.
There is no rhyme or reason to the way I comment! I comment whenever I can wherever I can….trying to hit my faves as often as I can. I don’t really think there is any benefit to being the first comment. Guess there is to some people! Love your new blog format!!
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Thank you Bermudabluez,
Being the first to comment can have advantages, however, anytime we leave a comment (no matter what the order), we’re getting our name out there and advantages still remain.
Having an attitude about commenting that suits you is a very good start especially when you can make an informed decision.
And thanks to all these comments I think most of us now can.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor. =-.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m always at the tail end and only get your feed alerts a day and a half or two days after you post. But that’s the good thing about your blog, Barbara; you reply to everyone, and that’s what matters. A lot of blogs go out during my night, and I did give up commenting because I always sounded like an echo of previous comments, but you ask good questions, so they usually elicit unique responses that go deep.
Hi Janice,
Thank you for your kind words. Unfortunately I do miss comments sometimes, which makes me feel bad. And if they’ve gotten old, I’m not sure how to answer them without sounding like a real schmuck.
As mentioned in another comment to you, if your problem doesn’t get resolved, you might try using an RSS feed reader. I’m here if you need help with it.